Naomi Long

Buying sex is a crime in Northern Ireland, unlike in other parts of the UK, but experts say most such transactions are now organised online.

Telecommunications is a served matter, meaning the Northern Ireland Assembly cannot legislate to ban websites involved in the trade.

Naomi Long has written to the Home Office minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls on what she described as a “deeply disturbing issue”.

“I believe it is important to do everything possible to protect women and girls from life‑changing abuse,” the minister said.

“I am determined to maintain momentum in this area and where the evidence supports it, I would support the UK government to advance legislation that reduces the facilitation of all forms of exploitation and abuse.”